 And welcome to At the Crossroads. I am your host, Keisha King. It's so good to be with you today to share with these Pacific resiliency fellows. They're here to tell us about their second cohort and what we have planned for this year and the coming years right here in Hawaii and all throughout the Pacific. Let's welcome our guests today. I'll have them introduce themselves. We have a lot of people here today. My name is Aliyah Herman. Thank you so much for having us here today. I am the program manager, so I've been developing and overseeing the Pacific Resiliency Fellows and I work for KUPU, who is the organization that is running the program. Wonderful, Aliyah. So glad you're here. And hello, Aliyah and Ali. My name is Blodak. I come from Palau and I'm a participant in the Pacific Resiliency Fellowship. That's amazing. Thank you both so much for being here and we have two more guests waiting in the wings who we will speak with right after we talk with you guys after our break. So, Aliyah, please tell us what exactly is the Pacific Resiliency Fellows? So, the Pacific Resiliency Fellows program was launched out of the World Conservation Congress that happened here in 2016. When that Congress came we said, how can this mean more for Hawaii than just 10 days? And so the idea was for KUPU with our mission of working with youth and young professionals to learn, serve and restore was maybe we could do something bigger than Hawaii, do something in the Pacific. So, we developed this fellowship program as a way to support resilient communities. So, how can we help communities across the Pacific become more resilient? What resilient? What kind of skills do they need? What kind of tools can we provide? Okay. So, you asked good questions about what can we do to help. Right. But what exactly are you helping? Sure. So, the programs, the program targets rising professionals who work in conservation and sustainability. We have fellows in Hawaii, but also across the Pacific in Palau, in Rapa Nui, one of our guests today in the Northern Mariana Islands in Guam, in American Selma. So, we have all of these different island communities that are facing these different struggles. And one of the things that we heard again and again is capacity. That we don't, there's not a lot of capacity to support, especially people who are there and deeply invested. So, one of our first goals of the program was to build local capacity. Then from there we said, you know, what else is needed? And the other thing, there are a couple of other things that came up. The other is to build a network. So, how can all of these communities, all of these people working in these communities facing different challenges, but also the same. You know, they have a lot of shared, how can they be learned from each other? How can they feel supported by each other? That was the second goal. How can we build a network? And the third goal is, you know, we want to not make this more about just let's help these individuals. Like, I want Blodok to do well. Obviously, I want him to be better at what he does. But we want to impact his community as well. So, I sort of see them as ambassadors to their community. They're coming here and we want them to be able to bring back. So, not only all these professional development skills and trainings, but also we've been working to help amplify their real time on the ground work right now. So, they bring a project through the program and that's one of the other key pieces. How can we make them more effective right now in what they're doing, as well as over the long term? So, for those who are not familiar with Coupu, can you tell us about that? Sure. Coupu is a non-profit based here in Honolulu that was founded in 2007 with, you know, our tagline is learn, serve, restore. So, really, it's creating a variety of different youth programs, fellowship programs, young programs for young professionals where they are, and actually the fellowship program is a little bit different than a lot of what we do, but where they are working sort of in the field in many cases, you know, learning how to work in conservation, but also getting a lot of those other sort of leadership skills, professional and personal development skills as well. Okay. So, you shared with us what the program seeks to accomplish, and you've explained Coupu a little bit more. So, in this first cohort, how many fellows participated in the program? So, we have 13 fellows, and as I mentioned, they're from across the Pacific, and they come, so it's set up as a 16-month program. So, they come here for 10 days, and then they go away for a year where they're implementing their project work, and also continuing to support each other. They're doing peer-to-peer work. I'm continuing to support them, and then now they've returned for their second session. So, this is another 10-day session sort of to bookend it, and then they will have their hoike, or their graduation on Tuesday. But what we're hoping is that that's not the end, but it's just the beginning of what will be sort of ongoing kind of network and support amongst them, and that we can continue to find ways to support them beyond the program. Okay. So, again, you've had some fellows who participated in the program. This isn't your first cohort. It is our first cohort. This is our second session of our first cohort. This is the pilot. So, we talk about them as the hyapo. They're the first ones. So, they have really they've been our guinea pigs, and they've been really awesome about it. And so, yeah, we've really been trying to figure out what works and what doesn't, and how to make this meaningful so that we can hopefully replicate. Because the real goal is if you can have cohort after cohort, then you have a broad network that has shared skills, hopefully some shared values, and then maybe eventually they can make a real collective impact on a broader, more global level. That's the goal. And I'm so excited about that. I'm excited that this is your inaugural group, your inaugural cohort, and the hope that annually, I suppose, you will do this. Every two years. Every two. Because it's just a six from sort of recruitment to both sessions. So, the goal is to be able to run a cohort every two years. But, because it's such a new program, we are still trying to raise funds to figure out a way to continue the program. And so, we hope that people can see the impact that it's making, again, both on these amazing individuals who I've been really lucky to get to spend this time with, and also more broadly, and that we can find people who are really willing to invest in the program over the long term. Because it's not one of those things where you're okay, we got rid of 100 acres of invasive bamboo or whatever it is. It's something that you have to invest in to see the results. And so, that can make it sometimes challenging to find the right fit for funders, but we're really hoping people will start to see the impact. And that when they, especially get to spend time with these guys, they see their heart, their passion, their talent, and that they want to help us give them more support and give more fellows support in the future. So, now, for this cohort, describe the application process to us. What was it like for them to get involved? Oh, well, we did a, again, a lot of networking to try to make sure that this opportunity was available for folks, you know, in all these different communities. Bloda can tell you, he comes from a community of 60 people. So, when you think about, you know, how do you reach that one like him? Yes. And then, you know, they went through an application process that had essay questions about, you know, their work, their commitment. One of the main things we looked for was commitment to place. But all of these fellows, you know, it's not a requirement, but all these fellows were born and raised in this place. And a large percentage of them are also indigenous. So, these are people who are deeply committed to these places over the long term. They're not two-year transplants who just want to go travel around. So, that was one of the key things, their passion, their commitment, their experience. We were looking for people who could bring something to the table because that they'd already, it already worked. So, this is what we're saying. We're saying rising professionals, people who've had some experience and who we see going further. And then we interviewed, we had interviews as well and made our selection, which has been, we are very pleased. Very, very good. I am super excited for that. So, Blodak, are you ready for me to ask you questions? Yay! Tell us why and why was it important for you to take part in this program? Well, as Elio was mentioning, I come from a very small island of Kayango and our community has found its way that we're losing people. So, I'm here and I want to plan a seed in a way at our island to make sure that it can reap benefits for the people of Kayango. And I think this training and opportunity has given me a chance to develop my skills and put some more tools in my toolbox in order to attack some of the things that we're facing, challenges. Wonderful. So, really, 60 people in your community, that is very different than what we're used to hearing about. Yeah. So, it went from the 1940s, it was about 2,000 people, but because there's been a lack of opportunity on the island, everybody's kind of been setting out to seek more opportunities. So, I think, to me, it's about finding a way to bring back the people. And is that your ultimate goal? Find a way to bring them back? Yes. I mean, that is the ultimate goal to bring back a lot more people home. That way we can provide better as a community for our environment and whatever is around us. This might be too much of a personal question, but what made you stay? If everyone else is leaving, what made you stay? Well, home is where the heart is, and my heart lies in Kayangan. I've had the opportunity to visit many places, including Hawaii, to kind of deepen my understanding and also load my commitment to Kayangan because at the end of the day, it's home, and that's where I would love to spend the rest of my life. That's so beautiful. I can see why he was chosen. And he's such a great example of what it means to try to build a resilient community because so he's working in conservation. He is managing the projected area around there, but so much of his focus, yes, it's about restoring the natural resources there, but it's also, like he said, restoring the people. And so he's doing things that you might not think would come like fighting for higher wages for the staff that he has, so that they can stay. There's so many pieces of what it means to build a resilient community that extend beyond the job description of help bring back the coral and the trees. And so I think he's just such an incredible example of that holistic approach that needs to be taken. That's amazing. And thank you so much for your commitment and hard work and dedication. We know that it is making a difference. Do you care to share any successes that you may have had already? Well, I've been, we were able to renovate one of our boats, which has helped us do our job more efficiently in a way because we have two marine protected areas that we have to do surveillance around because nowadays everybody's trying to get their share of the fish. So we have two marine protected areas that we are now able to conduct surveillance effectively. Wonderful. And you were a part of making that possible. Yes. I bet. He seems like he's being modest. Yeah. I think that's a fair assessment. Well, thank you. That makes a huge difference for everyone involved. If that is a food source and just everything else. Yeah, it's gonna make a huge difference. And you're fighting for higher wages as well. Yes. Yeah. I think I really want to raise the standards. It's really hard to raise the standard without raising the wages. And I felt like that's kind of one of the main reasons why a lot of our Rangers just came to work and then left after a year of training to join something better. So that you all provided the training and then yes, so we would pay for the training and then we take it and go to the national government level. I see. Yeah, that's not what we want. No, we want you to get trained here and then to stay here. Is that right? Yes. Yeah. Okay. So hopefully this next go round, they will do that. Yeah. Good for you that you're doing and that you chose to stay. I know it's going to make a huge difference in the lives of the families that are still there. So thank you for your heart to serve in such a way. And thank you to Aliyah for what you've done as the managing manager, project manager. Senior program manager, whatever person who steers them in all different directions and says, Hey, do your work and come together. Oh, man, with her emails, it's it's it's inspiring to have her to keep on coming because of course, after a year, trying to reach out to us was a bit of trouble for her. But I really applaud her for keeping keeping us tied together. So we're able to come back together. Because this has been actually a very inspiring group of people that we've worked with and it helps me push my goals further. Yes. Because when you're around people that are helping you toward your goals and also working toward their goals, it makes you want to work a little bit harder, right? You feel accomplished and feel good about that. So I feel good to sit next to you guys. This has been good. So we're going to take a quick break. And when we come back, we're going to speak with two other fellows and who are also here a part of the program from other places. You guys are going to be waiting in the wings while we listen to their stories about how they got involved and what they hope to achieve as well. Thank you so much for being with us today. Thank you so much for taking the time to hear our story. Yes, indeed. And we're still looking for more funding. Is that right? That is right. That is right. Yeah, first cohort number two. That's right. We want to get another group through and build our network so we can make real change. Awesome. I think that's a good way to end it with you guys. You guys have been perfect for this segment. You've been watching At the Crossroads and I'm your host, Keisha King. We are speaking with the Pacific Resiliency Fellows and we will be right back after this quick break. Aloha. This is Winston Welch. I am your host of Out and About where every other week, Mondays at three, we explore a variety of topics in our city, state, nation, and world, and events, organizations, the people that fuel them. It's a really interesting show. We welcome you to tune in and we welcome your suggestions for shows. You got a lot of them out there and we have an awesome studio here where we can get your ideas out as well. So I look forward to you tuning in every other week where we've got some great guests and great topics. You're going to learn a lot. You're going to come away inspired like I do. So I'll see you every other week here at three o'clock on Monday afternoon. Aloha. Hey, Aloha. My name is Andrew Lanning. I'm the host of Security Matters Hawaii airing every Wednesday here on Think Tech Hawaii live from the studios. I'll bring you guests. I'll bring you information about the things in security that matter to keeping you safe, your co-workers safe, your family safe, to keep our community safe. We want to teach you about those things in our industry that may be a little outside of your experience. So please join me because security matters. Aloha. Aloha. My name is Chip Fletcher. I'm at the University of Hawaii School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. I'm here to tell you about the four key things you can do to combat climate change. Have smaller families, eat a more plant-based diet, drive less, and fly airplanes less. Thank you very much for your time. Aloha, and welcome back to At the Crossroads. I'm your host, Keisha King, and today we have guests with us from Pacific Resiliency Fellows program. And so right now we have with us, Mana and Tiare. So glad you guys are here to join us today. Thanks for having us. Thank you for the invitation. Yes, indeed. Thank you so much. We're happy to have you and find out more about this program, what all got you involved and interested in doing this, where you're from and all that good stuff too. Okay, so we will start with, you want to do it ladies first? We'll start with Tiare. Tell us where are you from? I'm from Rapa Nui. I'm a lawyer and I'm working in an action plan for climate change. Wonderful. So now with all of that being said, what made you get involved with this program? First of all, I feel like it's a privilege and it's a dream that comes true to have this network around the Pacific. I feel the responsibility too. I'm part of a small community in Rapa Nui where 7,500 inhabitants. So for me, I think the most important thing is to see a broad picture, is to see things from outside and to have different opinions, different perspectives. We are facing similar problems. We are at the same time, we have a lot of differences, but we are part of the Pacific and we are part of the world. So after you cross this barrier, you are in the boat, you are sailing in the same direction. So it's very nice to be here. Wonderful. So you feel that as though being a part of this program is a privilege. Tell us, what are some of the highlights from the program that you have taken away with? So many. I learned a lot and I share a lot too. So the first year it was very interesting. The system, we have the opportunity to visit amazing places. What were some of the places? In this, we start with Hokulea. So imagine that. So I just say that. We are so privileged to have, we went to Kalatu, we visit and we helped constructing these fish ponds last year. We are working with the community. We are working with students too. I don't know, so many things at the same time that you need. I'm pretty sure that we need time to just digest all this information or this knowledge and we will apply all this stuff eventually and now. So I feel more confident. I have more tools to help my community and to be part of these small changes. So we need to start in the local level to see the change in this generation. So I'm very glad that I'm part of that. So thanks for the invitation. I feel just gratitude. Wonderful. I love that. She says, I feel gratitude for the opportunity to serve because this is about work and a lot of hard work. Is that right? So what is the first initiative that you're going to work on when you return back home? I'm working in this action plan. The plan consists in adaptation and mitigation at the same time because it's a small island. So I'm more confident right now especially to work with my community to be a leader. I'm more flexible right now. So sharing with all these cultures, with all these islands gave me that. We are working in so many projects, so interesting issues at the same time related to culture, related to how to protect the environment, climate change, how to protect reef, marine protected areas. So so many information. So I just need time and just continue to, it's very, sometimes you feel so frustrated with these issues. So sometimes you just, I don't know, it's difficult to continue. Yeah. And having all these tools, meeting all these people, see what's going on in Hawaii for example, in terms of technology, in terms of confidence. So many different things. I'm sure when you put it all together it makes a huge impact on you. As you mentioned, your confidence, you're prepared now to go back. But you probably have to have some time to like take it all in. So Mano, we're going to jump into you as well and say where are you from? I am from Waimea, Hawaii, Maryland. I know work for Lili Uokalani Trust as their natural resources manager. Wonderful. So you're already involved. But tell us, what are some of the focal points that this fellowship has caused you to take a look at? A lot of things. I think first and foremost for me is the relationship component. Meeting people like Tiare and Blodok from different areas around the Pacific has really been special. But understanding that everybody's looking at problems from a different lens from their specific cultures is inspiring. And it's really been impactful in my life to know that. I have folks in Palau, I have folks in Napa Nui that I can call to for all kinds of problems and work together on it. That's amazing. So now in your community, both of you have a bit of a larger community than the previous guests, Blodok, that we learned. He has about 60 in his community. You said 7,500. And how about you? So I live in Waimea where I think our population is around 5,000. Okay. But I work in a community a little bit further away, about an hour away in Kona. I'm not sure what the population is, but it's far greater. It's the second largest community on the island. Yes. Okay, wonderful. And so you have a lot of initiatives that I'm sure you're going to jump on when you go back, but tell us what has this done for you personally? What has the impact of this fellowship had on you as an individual in addition to the satisfaction of the relationships professionally? What has it done for you? Well, there's a lot of tools that we learned. Like today, for example, we learned about discs. It gives you a better understanding of your characteristics and your behaviors and how understanding those behaviors will really help you as a leader and working with team teammates and trying to resolve issues, but also in community meetings and whatnot. So there's several tools that I've used from the previous session that we got together. And I don't know. I keep going back to the relationships piece. That's really what hit me hardest. That's fair enough. That's good. Relationships are important. Everything is built upon relationships and having good relationships. And take time. And it does take time to build them. And trust. Yeah. I think we, the first year was amazing, but this this second year is yeah. Yeah, we've gone, we've gone to a couple different areas too. And it's kind of opened up, I think opened our eyes to you through this experience of the types of economic development that we could bring back to our places. Like Godak was saying, bringing back jobs, but just jobs, but jobs that are sustainable and for the environment, jobs that are we're taking care of, whether it be land or people or children. Rather than creating jobs of creating material things of consumption. So really flipping that over and what are, what are the future jobs for our kids that's going to really benefit our community and the world? Don't tell us. What would you then say to someone who is considering getting into this program? What is something that you would say to them, tell them and make sure you speak loud and clear so they can hear you. And if you want to, you can look right at that camera and let them know. Either. Well, I would like to say it first. You know, when I first started coming into this, I looked at it more personally and what can I get out of it. But after being in this experience and experiencing other people and the challenges that they're facing, it really put things into perspective for me and made me look more holistically on problems and issues and how we can really get together to solve all these problems. And like you said, with the Hokulea was a special experience for me. We got to go on a sale and I know I said one thing that was interesting that we need to network as people. You look at the mission of the Hokulea and traveling around the world and he said we need to get this network of people around the world but not geographically separating them but networking communities together. I love that. It's a big takeaway for me and that's how I receive these relationships. Yeah, speak loud and clear and let us know what would you say to someone who is considering entering the program? I was talking with a fellow a couple of days ago and I said that now I think that I start to understand more the word Kuleana. I like this word because that means a lot that I think if I can describe this program I will use that word Kuleana. It's a responsibility not just with your community, it's also without us and without the wall. Just doing a small thing put a seed in your place and like that. Yes, plant the seed, start where you are and work to make a difference right where you are. I think that pretty much sums up what you guys are saying. Am I right? Yeah. Yeah, build those relationships. So now do you have any idea of someone back home in your communities that you would already recommend for this program? Oh yeah. Yeah, I do. Yeah. Okay, we're hoping that you guys go back, mention this program that you've been in and what have they said? Has anyone noticed a difference in you all that you've been involved? I'm curious. I don't know. I mean, I don't know. I hadn't talked to anybody specifically about it, but I think so. Yeah, I don't know if you have any. Every time, at least in last year when I finished with the first of this journey, I did some interviews in the radio and in the TV programs in Rapa Nui, so that inspires a lot and we had a lot of calls and a lot of people start to ask me about this program, so they start to be more, I don't know, involved in my process. So and now they know that I'm finished the second year, so they're supporting me too. Yeah, I think support is the biggest piece. And that is. And that is. And so we want to thank you all for what you do. We want to thank you all for joining us as we've been here with Pacific Resiliency Fellows and some of the fellows who've been involved with the program, they've been through this for two years now and they will be graduating July 9th, 2019. The mayor and I'm sorry, the governor, Governor E. G. and First Lady will be there. Thank you for watching at the Crossroads and we'll see you next time. Aloha.